PREVIEW: Man City vs Watford

It’s match day four in the Barclays Premier League, as the Hornets travel up to north to come up against a robust Manchester City team at the Etihad Stadium.
Watford got their second 0-0 in a row last week, as they played hosts to Southampton on Sunday, with Manchester City drubbing Watford’s first opponents of the season, Everton, 2-0.

City are yet to concede a goal in the league, having scored eight in their past three.

The Hornets on the other hand, haven’t been involved in a single goal since that opening day 2-2 draw at Everton, three weeks ago.

You’d have to go back to two seasons ago, when the two sides met in a competitive fixture, as the two teams drew each other in the FA Cup 4th Round.

The Hornets took a surprising 2-0 lead in the first half, thanks to goals from both Troy Deeney and Fernando Forestieri, only for the Premier League leaders to claw their way back into the tie and go through to the next round, winning 4-2 supported by a Sergio Aguero hat trick.

Manchester City Team News:

Manuel Pellegrini has several injury worries ahead of the tie, as Gael Clichy, Wilfried Bony, Pablo Zabeleta and Fernando are all ruled out.

He will be boosted however, by the fact that their recent addition in Nicolas Otamendi will be available to make his debut.

Player to watch: Sergio Aguero

Sergio Aguero is undoubtedly the biggest threat, not just for us, but for all the teams in this division.

The Hornets will have to be alert of the Argentinian’s quick and skilful movement, whilst Gomes will no doubt be called upon several times in the game, to deal with his clinical finishing.

Watford Team News:

Miguel Britos, who returned from suspension to make his debut against Preston in the cup on Tuesday, is again suspended after receiving a three match ban, after receiving a straight red at Deepdale.

It is reported that out favour, Matej Vydra, will return to first team action, starting this weekend.

Joel Ekstrand remains the Hornets long term and only injury worry.

Player to watch: Jurado

Jurado has been very impressive for the Hornets since arriving from Spartak Moscow in the summer, and will definitely be up for the tough challenge against the league leaders this weekend and oppose a strong threat like he has in his recent games.

Ref Watch:

The experienced Mark Clattenburg is the referee for the tie at the Etihad.

Read our Man In The Middle feature to find out all the stats on the man from County Durham.